Tips For Booking a Cruise to Alaska
For many travelers, booking a cruise to Alaska ranks high on their lists of must-experiences, with everything from stunning scenery that includes towering peaks, glistening glaciers, and fjords. America’s last frontier is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, from whales to bald eagles and bears, bringing opportunities to glimpse animals that some people only get to see on-screen.
Planning that Alaskan cruise isn’t always easy, however. There are a number of important factors to consider from the best time to go to the possible routes, cruise lines, and more. To simplify the process while helping to ensure a trip of your dreams, you’ll want to follow these tips for booking a cruise to the 49th state.
Consider Your Preferred Style When Choosing the Cruise Line
The type of cruise you take will make a significant difference in the enjoyability as one size doesn’t fit all. One of the first things to consider is whether you’d prefer a traditional big ship cruise which averages around 2,000 passengers (but can have a capacity for as many as 5,000), or a small ship which averages 40 (ranging from about 10 to 100) guests.
The ship size is an important choice. Smaller ships such as UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions vessels can reach smaller, more out-of-the-way ports, and even stop if whales are spotted. They also tend to prioritize activities onshore, providing a more in-depth look at all that Alaska has to offer. With higher crew-to-passenger ratios, you can expect more personalized service and local insight. The downside for some is that the smaller ships generally don’t have flashy facilities or Broadway-style shows. There’s a focus on high-quality guides and informative educational programs although some higher end expedition ships do include desirable features like spas, hot tubs, and yoga classes.
If you choose a big ship, the crew probably won’t get to know you by name, but there may be elaborate shows hosted, pools, casinos, midnight buffets, and a wealth of other offerings. If you prioritize entertainment and lots of time on the ship, you’ll probably want the larger vessel. Princess and Holland America are the biggest mainstream lines for Alaska cruises but Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCL), and Carnival also offer Alaskan itineraries.
Some of the other considerations when choosing the best cruise for your journey is the reputation and reviews of the cruise line, sustainability (some lines focus on sustainable practices such as water conservation and limiting plastic), and the specific itinerary (Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska?).
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska
The cruise season in Alaska typically runs between late April through early October with high season June through August. The high season coincides with the warmest months, with highs ranging from the 60s to 70s throughout much of the state, Rain can occur at any time but July and August tend to be the wetter months. If you’re looking to cut costs, cruises are cheaper in April, May, September, and October. The crowds will be smaller too, but there is a greater risk of shore excursions being canceled due to unpredictable weather.
Brown bear, Admiralty Island, Juneau, Alaska
If you take a late-season cruise in September or early October, there’s a possibility of spotting the Northern Lights. For those who hope to see whales, the good news is that the majority of the cruising season coincides with whale-watching season. For example, in Juneau and throughout much of Southeast Alaska, the success rate for finding humpbacks is nearly 100 percent from May through mid-September. You might see orcas or gray whales too, along with porpoises, Stellar sea lions, and harbor seals.
For bear viewing, it’s common to see black bears during the salmon run around Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau between late June and mid-September. If you’re hoping to see some of the 1,600 brown bears on Admiralty Island, late July through August is your best bet.
A Balcony Stateroom is Often Worth the Splurge
an orca passing spectacular Alaskan scenery
An inside stateroom is cheaper but on a trip of a lifetime like an Alaskan cruise, if you can swing it, book the balcony stateroom. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the magnificent scenery and watch for wildlife from your own private outdoor space.
Enhance Your Trip With a Private Excursion
It’s also worth making your trip extra special with a private excursion. Alaska Luxury Tours based in Juneau offers pick-up right from dockside next to your cruise ship. The only true luxury operator, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience without having to worry about navigating public transport. You might choose to see the best of the Alaskan capital on a customizable tour in a Mercedes “Land Yacht,” with options that include everything from a view of the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier to exploring museums and a feast at Tracy’s King Crab Shack.
A private whale watching tour and rainforest and waterfall trek are available among other excursion options, all you have to do is let the staff know what your interests and requirements are.
Cost Comparisons
Keep in mind that when it comes to cruise costs, it’s similar to shopping for airfare in that by the time you add the cost of your seat, fees for checked bags, and more, the total is usually much higher than advertising. Be sure that you’re comparing apples to apples, looking to see if the rate includes things like fuel surcharges, port fees, shore excursions, and alcohol.
Get the Travel Insurance
Purchasing travel insurance for any vacation is always a good idea. You never know when unforeseen circumstances like an accident or another type of medical emergency will put a wrench in your plans. With an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to book your shore excursions well ahead as they often sell out long before your ship arrives in port. But that usually means being held to a cancelation policy too. Travel insurance policies will cover the cost of non-refundable excursions and activities when missed due to an illness or injury that causes you to cancel your cruise.
Many travel insurance policies include coverage for trip delays, missed connections, and inclement weather that can help cover related costs, along with lost luggage, emergency transportation, medical coverage, and more. Keep in mind that small Alaskan communities won’t have any large hospitals. That means when someone suffers a life-threatening emergency like a heart attack, they have to be transported by plane or helicopter to a major hospital in a big city like Seattle or Anchorage, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
When it comes to tips for booking your Alaska cruise, this is just the “tip of the iceberg” so to speak. As Alaska Luxury Tours is based right in Juneau, if you need more expert advice, you can ask us anything and we’ll be happy to help.